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          Six Nations 2018
          IrelandIrelandIRE
          28
          11/03FT
          8
          ScotlandScotlandSCO
          • Jacob Stockdale(22', 41'+1)
          • Conor Murray(46')
          • Sean Cronin(69')
          • Johnny Sexton(24', 47', 71', 41'+2)
          • Blair Kinghorn(52')
          • Greig Laidlaw(13')
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          Ireland secure Six Nations title with BP defeat of Scotland

          Jacob Stockdale's two first-half tries set Ireland on the road to victory. PAUL FAITH/AFP/Getty Images
          • ESPN staffMar 11, 2018, 05:54 AM
          Multiple Authors
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          Ireland clinched a third Six Nations title in five years thanks to a bonus-point 28-8 victory over Scotland in Dublin.

          Victory moved Ireland 10 points clear of second-place England ahead of their clash with France, and Eddie Jones were uninspired as they fell to a 22-16 defeat in Paris to surrender their crown with a week to spare.

          Two first-half tries from Jacob Stockdale put Joe Schmidt's side in control at the Aviva Stadium, and Conor Murray and Sean Cronin would both touch down after the break.

          Scotland could argue that they deserved better than a 20-point defeat but handling errors let them down at crucial times as three scores were left on the Dublin turf.

          Blair Kinghorn marked his first Test start with a maiden Scotland try, but it was far from enough for Gregor Townsend's men.

          Scotland drew first blood in Dublin as Greig Laidlaw kicked them into a 3-0 lead, but it was the hosts who would edge a scrappy opening half.

          Ireland began the game on the front foot but it took an errant pass from Pete Horne to present Stockdale with the chance to canter over for the game's first try in the 22nd minute.

          The visitors threatened to hit back just over five minutes later, but after gathering his own kick ahead Huw Jones was unable to supply the scoring pass to Stuart Hogg.

          It was a huge opportunity, and Scotland would be made to pay for their profligacy before the break.

          And it was Stockdale who profited again, from a brilliant midfield give-and-go between Garry Ringrose and Bundee Aki, the former wrapping around before playing his teammate in.

          Ireland extended their lead still further within minutes of the restart as Murray profited from a driving maul to dive over from close range.

          Many inside the Aviva Stadium would have been dreaming of the bonus-point win that was craved, but it was the visitors who struck next.

          Scotland's lack of accuracy with their final pass had already cost them a certain try in the first half, and it would rear its ugly head again in the second.

          In between times, however, the dark blue shirts did manage to ensure safe passage on the hot potato across their backline before Kinghorn dove over in the right corner with 28 minutes left.

          But Scotland had a mountain to climb, and after Sexton had missed a long-range shot at goal, Cronin put the game to bed as the replacement hooker burrowed over from close range.

          There was still chance for the visitors to butcher a try-scoring opportunity as Tim Swinson knocked on over the line.

          Otherwise Ireland were able to see out a crucial victory rather comfortably. Over to you, England.

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          Standings

          Six Nations
          RTeamGPPDP
          1FRA5+8121
          2IRE5+3819
          3SCO5-116
          4ITA5-389
          5ENG5+28
          6WAL5-826
          Full Table

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